OSP charges six individuals in Tamale for payroll fraud and corruption

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken a decisive action against payroll fraud and corruption, bringing charges against six individuals at the High Court in Tamale.

The accused — Yakubu Tahidu, Abdulai Abukari Sadic, Sammy Suuk, Mohammed Yusif Jay, Stafford Korletey Azudey-Barres, and Osman Issahaku — face 17 counts of corruption, which are alleged to have caused significant financial loss to the state.

The case arose from a referral by National Security, highlighting the involvement of Yakubu Tahidu, who continued to receive salary as a teacher at Balogu M/A JHS even after joining the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

This fraudulent activity was allegedly facilitated by the remaining accused, who either knowingly validated or failed to prevent the irregular payments.

The charges shed light on the roles played by the various individuals:

Yakubu Tahidu, formerly a teacher at Balogu M/A JHS, is accused of illegally receiving salaries after vacating his post to join the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

Abdulai Abukari Sadic, the Yendi Municipal IPPD Coordinator, and Sammy Suuk, a Schools Improvement Support Officer, are accused of facilitating salary validations for the first accused.

Mohammed Yusif Jay, the former headteacher of Balogu M/A JHS, allegedly validated the salaries despite being reassigned to another school.

Stafford Korletey Azudey-Barres, an Assistant Chief Accounts Technician at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, is alleged to have aided the processing of fraudulent payments.

Osman Issahaku, the current headteacher of Balogu M/A JHS, is accused of continuing to validate the irregular payments.

The OSP continues to investigate and prosecute cases to safeguard public funds and uphold accountability.

According to a statement by the OSP, they will continue to investigate and prosecute cases to safeguard public funds and uphold accountability.

Read full statement below

OSP Charges Six Over Payroll Fraud and Corruption
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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has brought charges against six individuals at the High Court in Tamale, Northern Region, for offences relating to payroll fraud and corruption.

The accused—Yakubu Tahidu, Abdulai Abukari Sadic, Sammy Suuk, Mohammed Yusif Jay, Stafford Korletey Azudey-Barres, and Osman Issahaku—face 17 counts of corruption, alleged to have caused financial loss to the state.

This case arose from a referral by National Security, which alleged that Yakubu Tahidu, though no longer a teacher, continued to receive salaries while employed at another government agency. The remaining accused are alleged to have knowingly facilitated or failed to prevent the fraudulent payments.

Yakubu Tahidu, formerly a teacher at Balogu M/A JHS, is accused of illegally receiving salaries after vacating his post to join the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

Abdulai Abukari Sadic, the Yendi Municipal IPPD Coordinator, and Sammy Suuk, a Schools Improvement Support Officer, are accused of facilitating salary validations for the first accused.

Mohammed Yusif Jay, the former headteacher of Balogu M/A JHS, allegedly validated the salaries despite being reassigned to another school.

Stafford Korletey Azudey-Barres, an Assistant Chief Accounts Technician at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, is alleged to have aided the processing of fraudulent payments.

Osman Issahaku, the current headteacher of Balogu M/A JHS, is accused of continuing to validate the irregular payments.

The OSP continues to investigate and prosecute cases to safeguard public funds and uphold accountability.